Dear Friends,

Praise God for a tremendous time in the Philippines! I was joined this trip by John Fuss, an old friend from Pensacola and Rosemary Tudor, an older but newer friend (she’s in her 70s) from here in London. Rosemary is from India and very much on-fire for her Lord. She loves to walk the streets of London with the banner about Jesus hanging from her neck. I thought she would do the Philippines some good and she agreed to go. Rosemary fell in love with the children, especially the ones at our Christian school (they got kisses every day). I was surprised to hear her say that what she saw of the Philippines seemed worse than back in India. The Philippines is growing worse and worse in so many ways (especially the traffic). It is truly a land of extremes. I was also surprised to see the shopping centers that have sprung up within ten minutes of our base in Cabuyao. We used to be really “out in the sticks”, but Manila is growing in that direction. McDonald’s has even arrived ten minutes away, also! I had a great time teaching two weeks at the Manila Theological College plus a full schedule of preaching and ministering. It was also great to be with Michelle and Craig. God is good!

MINISTRY, MOTIVATION, MOVEMENT: We were in a mountainous area one hour from the city of Batangas for a revival crusade. One of our ministers from Manila, Pastor Chris, had brought his band for praise music. He has a great voice. As I preached on “All things are possible with God”, the people were very attentive. Craig Logan sets these crusades up and he calls them FREEDOM CRUSADES. That is what they do - set men and women and children free from the bondage of sin. I had warned the people that I was on fire and at times when overcome with excitement I would run. “Don’t leave the meeting if I get over zealous and run off, I’ll be back!”, I explained. When you talk about Jesus you can’t help but get excited. As I hit the peak of my message, I threw down the microphone and started running down the road. It was a beautiful night to run, and run I did, shouting all the way, “Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!” With every step I got more excited. When I got back to the crusade, I gave the call to repentance and many came down. I felt like running again, but I was tired and gave up on the idea. What a joy to see people saved knowing God has a great life for them. Of course there is suffering, too, but no pain, no spiritual gain!

RIOTS, RUCKUS, REVIVAL: Mark Randall and another ASEA minister, Pastor Noel, have been ministering in the Manila jail for several years. Pastor Noel spent 10 years in prison for murder, so he knows something about jail life. Mark has been in jail three times for preaching and righteousness. What a team! The jail has had several riots among the gangs and some have been killed. In fact, Mark was told to leave before one riot started. They were warned to leave before the violence broke out. Because of the trouble, Pastor Noel got permission to have a Gospel meeting with the gang leaders. Several of us went down and ministered. It was a success! One minister had them hugging each other, another had them worshipping and singing together. I sang, danced and preached on being born again. My topic was “How God used Moses, the murderer”. It was 40 years later, but God mightily used him! These men were tough and covered with their gang association tattoos. We believe God broke the hatred these men had against each other. The Gospel can truly bring peace. God is able!

Thank you all so very much for your love, support and prayers. You made it possible for me to make this trip and I am grateful. Elizabeth and Abigail are doing well. It’s cold here in London and we’re having n lot of snow, but it doesn’t stick. The dirt of a big city keeps making its way through the white covering, Praise Cod for His Word - it sticks and it covers all kinds of dirt!

God is good!

With love and appreciation,

The Wood Family